Want a simple, homemade Orange Extract packed with fresh flavor? This easy recipe takes your baking and cooking to the next level, using just two ingredients!
A quick recipe today! I love making homemade extracts—they’re easy and affordable.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Pure Orange Extract
- It’s simple to make and uses only two ingredients.
- The fresh citrusy flavor of orange is much stronger than store-bought options.
- No artificial ingredients!
Recipe Ingredients
Orange Zest – Provides concentrated citrus flavor with a vibrant aroma.
Vodka – Acts as a neutral alcohol base that extracts and preserves the orange flavor.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
How to Make Orange Extract
Step #1: Combine the vodka and orange zest in your container and seal with a tight lid.
Step #2: This bottle is about 5 fluid ounces. If you are making more than 8 ounces at a time, add more orange zest.
Step #3: Let it hang out in your pantry for a few weeks.
Step #4: I’ve used mine after only a week, and it was pretty good, but the longer you wait, the better it will taste.
Step #5: When you get low, you can also add more orange zest and vodka to the bottle so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Expert Tips
Use Organic Oranges – If possible, opt for organic oranges to avoid pesticide residue on the zest.
Zest Before Juicing – Always zest the orange peel before juicing to make the process easier and more efficient.
Strain Before Using – After your extract has been infused, strain out the zest to avoid any bitterness over time.
Orange Extract Uses
Sweet Ideas
Desserts – Orange extract enhances fruit pies, marmalades, jams, cookies, sherbets, creams, cheesecakes, custard desserts, cakes, ice creams, scones, fruit salads, gelatins, and sauces.
Beverages – A splash of orange extract elevates whiskey ciders, ginger fizzes, whiskey sours, hot cocoa, chocolate milk, cranberry, or orange juice. It works well in cocktails like mimosas, margaritas, for a richer citrus flavor. It also adds brightness to smoothies, lemonade, water, tea, or sparkling water.
Savory Ideas
Savory Dishes – Add orange extract to marinades for chicken, pork, fish, orange tofu stir fry, or rice dishes for a tangy-sweet layer. It also works well in vinaigrettes and creamy salad dressings to enhance the flavor.
Condiments and Sauces – Enhance glazes, sauces, BBQ, orange chicken, marmalade, or roasted vegetables with orange extract for added citrus depth.
FAQs
Navel, Valencia, or mandarin oranges are ideal. For the best flavor, choose the freshest, finest quality oranges you can find, and enjoy a richer citrus taste!
A mid-range vodka is ideal; avoid flavored vodkas as they can interfere with the citrus flavor.
Storage Information
Store the Orange Extract in a sealed glass container, preferably in a dark pantry or cupboard. The extract lasts for several months, with the flavor improving over time.
Write the date you made the extract on the container so you know exactly how long it’s been infusing.
Flavorful Sauces and Condiments
Orange Extract Recipe
Ingredients
- Zest of one orange - be careful not to get any of the white pith
- 5 oz. Vodka - enough to fill your small container
- A small glass container
Instructions
- Combine the vodka and orange zest in your container and seal with a tight lid.
- This bottle is about 5 ounces. If you are making more than 8 ounces at a time, add more orange zest.
- Let it hang out in your pantry for a few weeks.
- I've used mine after only a week, and it was pretty good, but the longer you wait, the better it will taste.
- When you get low, you can also add more orange zest and vodka to the bottle so you don't have to start from scratch.
NOTES
Nutrition
This orange extract gave my baking such a bright, fresh citrus flavor.
Vanilla is another really easy one – I’m hoping to try mint sometime soon, too!
I’ve never made my own extracts, but what a great idea. I’ll have to try this. Celeste 🙂